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Antarctic Ice Mapped by Snowcat Vibrations
20 Aug
Summary
- A snowcat's vibrations can map Antarctic firn layers.
- This method offers a safer alternative to dynamite use.
- Results match traditional seismic surveying accuracy.
Research led by Liu Guofeng at China University of Geosciences in Beijing has uncovered a novel scientific application for the PistenBully 300, a heavy-duty vehicle designed for polar conditions. This specialized machine, weighing 8.5 tonnes, is now capable of performing scientific research, specifically mapping Antarctica's firn layer. This layer, situated between the surface snow and the solid ice, is crucial for understanding ice sheet melt and predicting global sea-level changes.
The traditional method for studying the firn layer involves using dynamite as an active seismic source, which requires drilling and poses environmental risks. Dr. Liu's team experimented with PistenBully vehicles in East Antarctica's Larsemann Hills. By driving the vehicles along specific paths, they generated vibrations that were captured by geophones.
This new technique proved to be as accurate as the conventional dynamite method for mapping the firn layer's structure. The findings, published in the Journal of Glaciology, suggest a simpler, safer, and more accessible way to conduct vital glaciological research in remote polar environments, eliminating the need for explosives.
